Anyone have the measurements of the "ball" on the tie rods? A PO built mine up with welding, but did not grind it back to proper dimensions. They are "almost close enough" but not quite. If I tighten the bolts it locks the steering. Also, if it is a standard ball bearing size, i could just weld on on and fit it from there. Didnt know where else to look on the site, and didnt want to pay 65 a piece for new tubes.Thanks!

Gary Dotson wrote:McMaster Carr has steel balls, maybe they have what you need.

I have looked at Mcmaster Carr.They have the 25/32 ball, but it is hardened chrome steel, non weldable.The standard steel balls only come in 1/8 sizes above about 3/8.Converting, the 25/32 is .7813the 3/4 is .750....3 hundreths of an inch smaller.the 7/8 is .875....I think that would be way too big... Any thoughts? Anyone have a new tie rod they would measure just as a comparison to Drivers measurement?Thanks!!

I have the 3/4 steel balls, and have bolted them into the steering arm with a .030 shim. They appear to fit very good, with just a small amount of play, which should be fine once it is packed with grease. One question, I notice the tie rod ball is flat on top...is that to allow more grease to be "stored" in the joint or some other reason?

Just speculation but I would assume the whole piece was fabricated from round stock then bent. The ball end would have had a small piece of round stock left from the lathe which was simply ground or cut off.